Steelers fans' loyalty goes beyond Super Bowls

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward celebrates with fans after a 24-19 win over the New York Jets in the AFC Championship NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011. The Steelers advance to the Super Bowl to face the Green Bay Packers.

Charles Krupa, Associated Press

Summary

The words that describe the Pittsburgh Steelers — proud, tough and resilient — could also apply to their large, loyal fan base.

PITTSBURGH — The words that describe the Pittsburgh Steelers — proud, tough and resilient — could also apply to their large, loyal fan base.

The team has rewarded its faithful with a shot at another Super Bowl win. The Green Bay Packers stand between the Steelers and a seventh title when they play Feb. 6 in Dallas.

Shuttling between stores for the latest Steelers gear, fans were still giddy Monday in Pittsburgh's commercial Strip District about Sunday's 24-19 victory over the New York Jets in the AFC championship.

Older fans speak about passing their Steelers loyalty to their children, or swaddling newborns in Terrible Towels. The Steelers are a big mom-and-pop operation, owned by three generations of the Rooney family.